In line with the demands, a major programme is currently underway to supply and install such systems. A pioneer in this new initiative, Patientline has already installed its integrated telephone, internet, radio and tv system in a large number of hospitals in the UK.
Patientline is one of a small number of companies that has been granted a full licence by the NHS to offer these services. It is currently completing an installation at Leeds General Infirmary.
The infirmary is one of the oldest of the city's hospitals, dating to 1771. The original structure was completely replaced in 1868 by a larger building designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Florence Nightingale provided the latest advice on sanitation and infection control and recommended the pavilion system of wards.
Gilbert Scott's Victorian building remains the core of the present day infirmary, but it has been significantly and progressively extended over the years. Today the 1300-bed infirmary is part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the largest NHS Trust in the UK.
Retrofitting entertainment
The installation of bedside entertainment and communications systems has provided a number of challenges to electrical contractors, particularly in some of the older hospitals.
Service voids are frequently inaccessible and many of the walls are constructed from plaster rendered solid brick or concrete. The installation at Leeds General Infirmary forms part of the national programme by specialist contractor BLS Structured Systems on behalf of Patientline UK.
This system involved the design and installation of three separate cabling networks. These consist of single-phase, 240 Vac mains power, coaxial, radio frequency cabling for television and video, and a structured cabling network for voice and data communications. This provides patients with a radio, telephone, answerphone, a choice of free and pay-per-view tv channels and internet access.
The system uses prepayment smart cards to cover telephone charges and allow access to the available services. The cards are supplied from vending machines located throughout the hospital, generating revenue for Patientline. The system carries no cost to the NHS or the Hospital Trust.
The cabling had to be installed in surface-mounted trunking on the solid walls in wards and corridors throughout the hospital. It was therefore essential that the cable containment system met the stringent requirements for performance and safety.
The system needed to be easily and rapidly installed with the minimum of disruption to hospital routines. It also had to provide the highest levels of safety and be easy to clean in clinical and surgical areas, where hygiene is essential. Low-smoke-zero-halogen materials were also required.
Following extensive research by the NHS Trust's estates department, BLS Structured Systems undertook installation trials under simulated hospital ward conditions, using Mita's aluminium feeder trunking. The hospital authorities concluded that the use of this product for cable containment and protection would meet their needs.
Patient installation
Described by the contractor as "an easy profile to install", 1000 m of Mita's twin-compartment, 50 x 75 mm aluminium trunking has been installed as the cable management system in wards, corridors and other public areas of Leeds General Infirmary for the Patientline installation.
The trunking system had to meet the specialised demands and pressures imposed by long-term operation within a working hospital environment. It was also vital that the installation could be carried out rapidly and efficiently, with minimum disruption to staff, visitors and hospital routines.
The contractor had to work within exceptionally difficult time constraints imposed by restricted access to wards and other areas, which are under continuous day-to-day pressure for availability of beds.
The use of Mita's aluminium trunking offered speed and ease of handling. Its light weight meant that the trunking was easy to manage, even in restricted spaces. In addition, its mechanical strength and rigidity meant that the trunking did not sag or bend when being lifted and fixed into position.
Glyn Richardson from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Estates Department commented that the use of the firm's aluminium trunking for the installation at the infirmary had proved an excellent choice.
"The trunking not only provides a safe, hygienic and efficient solution, but has enabled the installer to complete each ward rapidly. The finished result is extremely attractive and is providing us with a cost-effective solution," he enthused.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
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